Jesse loved and appreciated everything he had in his life. It didn’t matter if you were a member of his family, a friend or just a stranger he met on the street, he always knew what to say and gave you his best, making sure you left feeling better about yourself and your situation. He was a true light in our community and his sudden passing has left a large void for all those who called him a friend.
Jesse Willard was born in Owen Sound on November 29, 1976 to parents John Willard and Lois Jane (Hemstock) Clements. He joined older brother Colin (1973), calling Copper Kettle home. The Clements moved to Tara when Jesse was a toddler and he soon began attending Arran-Tara Elementary School. The family welcomed a new addition in 1984 when Dawn was born and it was also then that Norm Capling, another father-figure, came into Jesse’s life. He attended high school in Chesley at Chesley District, graduating in 1995.
Following school, Jesse began working for Edwards Security in Owen Sound, a job he was very proud of and remained with the company until 2007. During these years, Jesse continued to extend his reach in life, whether it be through his wrestling days as “JC Climax” or playing bass guitar with Trevor MacKenzie and their many bands. He was very approachable and treated everyone he met with dignity and respect, always knowing what to say and remaining very positive.
In 2006 and while at a cottage with some friends, Jesse was introduced to Heidi Annaliza Jennen. The two hit it off immediately and shortly after began dating. Heidi and her daughter, Hailey, later moved in with him and he took on the roles of a loving spouse and caring father. Jesse’s life forever changed in 2008, when he and Heidi welcomed their son, Ayden. Jesse’s family was his world! He would do anything for them and always made sure that their every need was met. Jesse and Heidi made it official on September 18, 2010, when they were married in front of friends and family at Kelso Beach in Owen Sound. In true Jesse fashion, he had made it a point to ask Hailey for her permission to marry her mom!
By this time their family of four had settled in Tara where Jesse was working for Sensient Flavours at the old milk plant in Tara. As you probably already know, Jesse was passionate about many things in his life and his job was no exception. He took great pride in his work and was always the “go-to” whenever a problem arose. When Ayden was a baby, Jesse had some time off between jobs and was able to stay at home, spending quality time with Ayden. Sensient Flavours eventually sold the property to Lallemand, whereby the facility needed to be transformed to facilitate yeast production. Once again Jesse stepped up, and he along with his step-father Norm worked hand-in-hand to transform the building to its current form. He just celebrated five years with the company and was looking forward to the years ahead.
If you knew Jesse you would understand the importance of music in his life. From a young age, he liked the bass runs of Jimi Hendrix and later, Old Crow Medicine Show, Beastie Boys, Hank Williams Sr., Waylon Jennings, and James Brown, just to name a few. As you can see he had an eclectic taste in music. Jesse grew up in a musical family and soon began to take up playing the bass guitar. As mentioned earlier, he played in a variety of bands in his youth and more recently enjoyed playing with his mom, and their band, Second Line. In recent years, he began to sing a bit more, with some encouragement from mom and in turn taught her to play the bass when he was singing. Jesse even built his own bass guitar, completing it in the last month of his life. Duke, as he referred to it, (this was the nickname that his Grampa Lewis gave him when he was a boy) was played for the first time at a performance on January 4, 2020. This work of love will remain with his family for years to come and will be a constant reminder of his hard work and musical talents.
In his free time, Jesse enjoyed working in the garden. He grew a variety of vegetables, plants, and flowers, with sunflowers being his specialty. His sunflowers would regularly grow in excess of 8 feet tall… amazing! He also enjoyed helping Heidi’s family with their Beekeeping business, Georgian Bay Honey. Jesse spent countless hours caring for the bees and helping create the final product. The family also enjoyed spending time away, camping at Fisherman’s Cove and creating many memories. He enjoyed working with his hands and completed a variety of home improvements around the house. He had a straight thumb that went well with his green thumb! These hands also built his beloved shed, something that he was so proud of. If he ever got to a task that stumped him, he would resort back to Google or YouTube for some assistance and usually completed the task with ease. In recent months he purchased his first brand new vehicle, a GMC Silverado truck, again something he was very proud of. When it came to TV, Jesse preferred the History Channel, documentaries and watching True Crimes with Heidi. There were also times that he spent playing video games, basketball as well as going bowling with Ayden. He loved this time with his son, always treasuring the time they spent together. Most will remember Jesse’s dog, Mojo. This chihuahua was “so cute” but it was definitely Jesse’s dog.
Jesse will forever be remembered for the family-man he was. His family was always first, and probably in his case second and third as well. He always put others first, making those around him feel special. He had an amazing ability to listen to others and then would share his unique perspective of the situation, always providing clarity and positive re-enforcement. It didn’t matter if this individual was 7 or 87, his approach was always similar and he had a real knack for knowing what to say in the challenging times. He had high morals, a memorable laugh and always gave strong hugs full of love. His love, happiness, honesty, and generosity has been passed on to all that knew him and his gentle old soul will never be forgotten. “Life brings tears, smiles, and memories. The tears eventually dry, the smiles fade, but the memories last forever”. Jesse is going to be dearly missed by many, but his memory will live on in his family and friends for years to come.
Sadly, Jesse left this world way too early when he passed away suddenly on Friday, January 10, 2020 at the age of 43.
Beloved husband and best friend of Heidi. Cherished father of Ayden Clements at home, and Hailey Jennen and her fiancé Dennis Macumber of London. Jesse will be lovingly remembered by his mother Lois Gilder of Chesley, siblings Colin of Port Clements, B.C., Dawn (Eli) of Port Clements, B.C., and grandsons Malcolm and Myles Macumber. He will be dearly missed by his grandmother Bonnie Hemstock of R.R. #1 Dobbinton as well as the entire Hemstock & Jennen families. Jesse will be fondly remembered by Norm Capling and his many close friends. He was predeceased by his father John Clements and step-father Rick Gilder.
Visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Friday from 6 – 9 p.m. where a memorial service celebrating Jesse’s life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to a trust fund which will be established for Ayden’s education (please make cheques payable to Heidi Clements) would be appreciated.
We are very sorry for your lose, to the Clements family, our condolences, cherish the memories.
Eldon & Rose Thede
Joyce Thede
God speed on your journey home, “J.C”. We love you and will miss you, Mr. Bass Man. You left a lasting imprint on all the lives you have touched and you have left a little piece of you with all of us. You are very special. Till we meet again. xo – June & Dave
My thoughts are with you Lois, as you suffer yet another loss in your life. I didn’t know Jesse, but it is clear that he touched many people with his warmth and kindness…..a wonderful memory. RIP Jesse
I am so sad to learn this news.
To Heidi & all of Jesse’s family my sincere condolences at this very very difficult time.
My thoughts are with you
Our hearts are with Lois and all of the family of Jesse at this time of sorrow. We were very saddened to hear of his sudden passing. We will always remember his infectious smile, laugh and his good nature. He will be missed by many!
So saddened to hear of another tragic loss for you Lois and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We are all better people and blessed to have had Jesse in our lives. My heart goes out to the family and family of friends because that’s how he made you feel. A great person will be missed but never ever forgotten.
My sincere sympathies to Heidi, Ayden, Hailey and family, Sam and Walter and all the Jennen family.You are in my heart and in my prayers. God bless you through this difficult time.
Our condolences to Jesse’s immediate and extended families. Lois, Bonnie and Norm – you are in our thoughts.
Gordon Humphrey & Donna Coffey
We haven’t seen Jesse for a number of years but have not forgotten what a wonderful, warm, personable guy he was. We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
deepest sympathy Lois
We will miss our neighbour and his hearty laugh
A wonderful young man. Stay strong Heidi and family will see you through under God’s watch.
To Lois, Dawn, Colin, Bonnie, and the entire Hemstock family.
I’m sending my love and condolences. Jesse’s kind and fun loving spirit will not be forgotten. I’m so sorry for this tremendous loss.
I am so sad to hear this and send my sincerecondolences to Jesse ‘s family. Jesse was well loved in the Owen Sound music scene and he was definitely an inspiration for me to learn the bass guitar. Jesse will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.
I was so saddened and also shocked to hear about Jesse’s passing. I remember well Jesse’s smile, optimism, warmth and charisma, which were all so engaging and also infectious. It was never difficult to feel at ease in his presence. My heart goes out to Jesse’s family and my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Lois and family. We can hardly imagine Jesse being gone from this world. He was such a talented musician, and we thoroughly enjoyed listening to him play, whether it was with Second Line or his other bands. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time
It was with great disbelief that my family and I received the tragic news of Jesse.A very outgoing and caring young man who had a warm smile for everyone.He was very talented with his music. He will be hugely missed by all. May God grant you peace and love at this time of your loss.
Lois, Bonnie and family. I can hardly believe this. Jesse was a really great guy. Such a loss.
Hailey, Dennis & family, so sorry to hear of your loss, Remember the happy times you have all shared, they will help you through the days ahead.
Lois and family, we are so sad to learn of Jesse’s passing, he was always so up-beat and had that great smile which was his trademark. Miss you Buddy.
To Hailey, Dennis and family. Very sad to hear of your loss. I never had the pleasure of meeting Jesse, but was looking forward to it this fall. Dennis spoke highly of Jesse and how close they were. It was far to early to be taken for Jesse and all that are close to him.
Greg and Negin
Lois, Dawn, Heidi and all of Jesse’s many friends: Jesse was one of Tara’s finest, always wearing a smile and with so much enthusiasm, he has certainly left his mark on this earth.
Sending my condolences, and hoping the memories you have will carry you through.
He really was an amazing guy, so caring and thoughtful. Our hearts are with his family who he was so proud of and loved dearly.
There is something extraordinary about childhood friends that help shape us later on in life. This is especially true for everyone who had the pleasure of growing up knowing Jesse. I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Jesse after more than 25 years, and his smile was brighter than ever! My thoughts and prayers are with Lois, Heidi, and Aydeen.
We’re so sorry to hear the news of Jesse’s passing. I remember Jesse from the time I worked at the Tara Public School .. he always had a wonderful smile that would light up a room .. so friendly and kind. He will be missed. Keep your memories of Jesse close to your hearts … and Jesse will never be far away .. think of all of you at this very sad time.
Guy and Tracey
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I always loved bumping into Jesse at music events. He was always smiling, and always awesome to talk to. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. xoxoxo
We will miss Jesse’s smile and warm personality. Our sincere condolences to Jesse’s family and friends. Brenda and Dave
Jessie was a childhood friend and classmate. Big personality, with a heart of gold. Our thoughts go out to Lois and family stay strong and always hold on to the legacy that Jessie brought.
There is so much of life that we don’t understand and this untimely death of a wonderful young man is one of these things. I agree with so many other writers that Jesse’s smile and happiness was absolutely contagious. We have been blessed to know him.
Wishing you strength and peace during this time our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Bob & Marlene Ruff
Lois & Family, We were in shock to hear of Jesse’s sudden passing. Such a warm & friendly person, always a smile and a hi. Rest in peace “Jesse”.
Hugs to you all from us.
Sympathy and hugs Lois, Heidi and family. I enjoyed chatting with Jesse when I saw him in Tara. May your memories and his music help you remember Jesse. Hugs, Joyce & Bill
I was very sorry to hear of Jesse’s passing.
He was such a friendly young man with a warm smile. He’ll be missed.
We will miss the brightest smile around. Our sympathies are with his family. We will remember Jesse with fondness and kind memories. A great talent has been taken from this world far too soon. RIP
My deepest sympathies to all the Clements family and Lois . So enjoyed chatting with Jesse whenever I saw him . Such an engaging personality! Kpyetk
Our thoughts and prayers to Lois and family. What an awesome young man. He will be missed.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to y’all. A great man. Rest in peace.
We are so sorry to hear of Jesse’s passing, Always enjoyed his music and great smile. He will certainly be missed by everyone. Our condolences to all the family.
Lois,Heidi and families, so shocked and saddened that Jesse has passed away much too soon. Our sympathy to all. He had an infectious smile that would light up the room.
Our hearts are with Lois and the all the family of Jesse at this sad time of loss. Jesse was a light ,a positive inspiration , a ray of sunshine every time we saw him. He also played a wicked guitar .Love and prayers to the family and friends of Jesse. You will be missed. R.I.P Jesse
Bob and Nancy Bearinger
Our hearts are broken, tears bountful.
Sadden by the loss of a great Man.
Jesse, ur smile and laugh would light up a room
Love, prayers to Jesse’s family thru the days ahead.
RIP.. Jesse remembering always xx